Sooner or later, you're going to need a lawyer if you're running your own business.
Fortunately, Clint Costa, a local expert on the subject who happens to be a lawyer as well as an enthusiast law blogger, has posted a handy checklist of things to look for when seeking and approaching potential candidates.
Among the more interesting points Costa makes (and there are many): Your potential lawyer should be a yes-man ("offer viable legal alternatives to get you to your goal, rather than just a 'no.' ").
Also: It's reasonable to test-drive a lawyer before hiring them on in full ("do something as a 'get to know you' ... ask for a basic contract review or for advice.")
How to engage an attorney?
Get advice from within your network, don't be afraid to Google and grab lunch with candidates.
Of course there's much more to know (yes, your lawyer should get back to you within 24 hours, he says), and Costa does a good job of walking through it all step by step.
Read the full list at builtinchicago.org.
